It has only been seven weeks since we parted from Fortitude X and yet, it seems like eternity.
After spending a good part of October to get the boat ready for winter hibernation, we finally departed for our journey to Germany via Ontario.
I would lie if I say that it was easy to leave the boat behind; Fortitude X had been our home for the last seven months, our travel buddy, the vehicle into new adventures, keeping us safe and sound on our journey.
We boarded our plane, knowing that the boat was well prepared and in good hands. We spent an uneventful night in more than 30,000 feet; quite the opposite from sleeping to the sounds of waves the previous 230 nights.
Toronto greeted us with sunshine and we truly enjoyed our road trip to Haliburton, in the heart of Ontario’s cottage country. Torsten’s cousin Eva and her husband Bruce welcomed us to her beautiful home with lake access and private forest and spoiled us with her marvellous cooking and baking delights. The four-day visit seemed like a vacation from our vacation. Long hikes, art excursions, followed by a few glasses of wine, movie nights, and the entertaining company of Eva and her family made this a delightful stop on our way to Europe.
I was 18 when I moved out, and here, I am: 37 years later and somewhat ready to spend the next 4-5 months under one roof with my family. Needless to say, that with 3 generations around the dinner table we experienced quite the opposite scenario – and noise level from how we enjoyed our intimate meals on board. Helping out with some renovation and maintenance work around the house kept us occupied for the first couple of weeks.
Our list of planned visits and trips had been cut short, at least for now. The current Covid situation in Germany is serious and doesn’t allow for extensive meetings and travel. We make the best of it, exploring our surroundings in day trips and meeting family and friends in small groups.
A few snowflakes are just touching our windows as we lit the third candle on our advent wreath and enjoying some Glühwein in front of the fire place. It’s that time of the year again: Christmas gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect on the important things around us.
May your home know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility.
Merry Christmas for you and your loved ones and all the Best for 2022 – or to quote the great David Bowie “I don’t know where I am going from here but I promise it won’t be boring”.
